The Huskers were picked to finish fourth in the Big Ten coaches' preseason poll on Friday.

Photo by Scott Bruhn/Nebraska Communications

NU Picked to Finish Fourth in Preseason Big Ten Poll

By NU Athletic Communications

| 08/16/2013

Chicago, Ill. – The Nebraska volleyball team was selected to finish fourth in the Big Ten coaches’ preseason poll released Friday morning by the conference office.

The Huskers finished the 2012 season tied with Minnesota for second in the Big Ten. Nebraska welcomes 10 newcomers to the 2013 team, including All-Americans Kelsey Robinson and Mary Pollmiller. The Huskers also return All-Americans Morgan Broekhuis and Meghan Haggerty.

Defending Big Ten Champion Penn State was picked to finish first in the conference, while Minnesota was tabbed to finish second. Michigan, who advanced to the NCAA semifinals last season, was picked to finish third. Michigan State and Illinois rounded out the poll at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively.

Additionally, conference coaches selected a preseason All-Big Ten team, which featured three unanimous selections and seven returning members. Michigan State’s Lauren Wicinski, Minnesota’s Tori Dixon and Penn State’s Ariel Scott were unanimous selections. Dixon was honored for the third consecutive season, while Scott earned preseason recognition for the second year in a row. Minnesota’s Ashley Wittman, Northwestern’s Stephanie Holthus and Penn State’s Deja McClendon and Katie Slay were also three-time preseason All-Big Ten honorees, while Illinois’ Liz McMahon appeared on the list for the second consecutive year. Also on the preseason All-Big Ten list was Illinois’ Jocelynn Birks, Michigan’s Jennifer Cross, Lexi Dannemiller and Lexi Erwin and Penn State’s Megan Courtney and Micha Hancock.